Street Renamed In Honor Of Hero Teacher
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State and town officials joined friends and family of hero teacher Scott Beigel to rename the street he grew up on in his honor. Photo/Town of Huntington
By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com
The unveiling of the street sign, “Scott J. Beigel Way” in Dix Hills, sent a wave of emotions through the crowd who gathered at the street dedication ceremony that took place in Beigel’s honor on August 11.
As a way to show remembrance to the beloved teacher who lost his life during a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School six months ago, the Huntington Town Board voted on a resolution to dedicate Hart Place in Dix Hills as “Scott J. Beigel Way”. This is a place that was held dear in Beigel’s heart, because it was where he and his sister, Melissa, grew up and where their parents live.
The Town of Huntington also recognized Beigel’s courage at a candlelight vigil for all the victims of the Parkland shooting on the one month anniversary of the tragic day, on March 14 at Town Hall.
“Scott Beigel was a teacher, a cross-country coach and a mentor to his students. Scott heroically lost his life helping those students escape the danger that sealed his fate,” said Town Supervisor, Chad A. Lupinacci. “We are standing here today on the street in Dix Hills where Scott and his sister Melissa were raised, where their parents, Linda Beigel-Schulman and Michael Schulman, still reside. Today the Town recognizes Scott Beigel’s heroic sacrifice with a permanent street dedication for all to see who pass Hart Place on Half Hollow Road in Dix Hills.”
Beigel’s parents were thankful to all who made the dedication possible and all who helped support and care for them during this difficult time. Linda Beigel Schulman, said that she was overcome with emotion during the installation of the sign, “knowing that I was the mother of the person they were installing the sign for”.
She was helped with the unveiling by granddaughter, Dylan Zech and Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul. They were supported by daughter, Melissa Zech, husband, Michael Schulman, and town and state officials.
“During one of the worst tragedies imaginable, Scott Beigel died defending the lives of his students,” said Hochul. “As a mother myself, I can only imagine the pain endured by mothers, fathers, and family members of those lost in Parkland. I have no words to console the families whose lives have been forever altered, but I am in awe of how they have harnessed this travesty into a force for change.”
Beigel Schulman called upon the State Senate to pass a “red flag” law, similar to one the State Assembly passed earlier this year, which she believes would have saved her son’s life if implemented in Florida prior to the shooting.
“We cannot ever forget Scott’s sacrifice and the loss of lives on that tragic day six months ago,” said Councilwoman, Joan Cergol. “And we cannot let up in our individual efforts to lobby for stricter gun control legislation that could put an end to the senseless loss of life, and the madness that has all too often played out in our schools, malls, theaters, streets and homes, forever changing our families and our lives.”
Beigel’s honorable actions to defend his students will never be forgotten and his legacy as a brave teacher who would do anything for his students will forever live on.
